Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo was in Ndhiwa East Sub-County on Saturday, October 17, 2026, for a meeting with members of the Homa Bay business community. The meeting brought together the senior government official and local businesspeople at a time when traders across the county continue to seek better infrastructure, improved security and greater opportunities to grow their enterprises.PS Raymond Omollo engages the Homa Bay business community

The meeting in Ndhiwa East Sub-County provided an opportunity for Dr Raymond Omollo to engage local businesspeople on issues affecting economic activities in Homa Bay County.

Business communities play an important role in supporting the local economy through the sale of goods, provision of services, creation of employment and payment of taxes. Small traders, shop owners, market vendors, transport operators and other entrepreneurs depend on a stable business environment to maintain their livelihoods.Business growth and the need for a supportive environment

Small businesses are an important source of income for many households in Rangwe and the wider Homa Bay region. From retail shops and food vendors to workshops, transport services and agricultural enterprises, these activities help sustain families and provide jobs for young people.

However, running a business can be difficult when traders face high operating costs, unreliable infrastructure, limited access to affordable credit or concerns about their safety.

For many entrepreneurs, even a small interruption in business can affect their ability to pay rent, restock goods, meet household expenses and repay loans.Security remains important for traders

As Principal Secretary in the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, Omollo has previously emphasised the importance of peace, law and order.

In August 2026, he assured organisers of a planned political meeting in Homa Bay that the government would protect participants while warning against criminal activity and disruption. He stressed that people had a right to travel and hold lawful meetings, provided they observed the law. Youth empowerment and enterprise opportunities

Youth unemployment remains an important issue for communities seeking sustainable economic growth. Small enterprises can provide young people with an alternative to unemployment by enabling them to develop practical skills, establish businesses and generate income.

Omollo has previously addressed this issue directly.

On August 7, 2026, he outlined a support programme targeting nearly 600 youth groups in Homa Bay County. According to People Daily, the initiative was intended to support enterprise development, technical training and small businesses. He asked representatives to consult their members and identify suitable enterprises before submitting proposals for considerationYouth empowerment and enterprise opportunities

Youth unemployment remains an important issue for communities seeking sustainable economic growth. Small enterprises can provide young people with an alternative to unemployment by enabling them to develop practical skills, establish businesses and generate income.

Omollo has previously addressed this issue directly.

On August 7, 2026, he outlined a support programme targeting nearly 600 youth groups in Homa Bay County. According to People Daily, the initiative was intended to support enterprise development, technical training and small businesses. He asked representatives to consult their members and identify suitable enterprises before submitting proposals for considerationWomen and small-scale entrepreneurs

Women also play an important role in the economic life of Homa Bay County. Many operate small shops, sell produce, run food businesses and participate in community-based enterprises.

In June 2026, the Kenya News Agency reported that Omollo attended a women’s empowerment programme at Asumbi Girls National School in Rangwe Constituency. The programme included support of approximately KSh20 million for women to start or expand businesses. Omollo encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds prudently to improve their livelihoods and grow their enterprises. Infrastructure and the challenges facing Homa Bay traders

Infrastructure is another important factor affecting business performance.

Roads, drainage systems, market facilities, street lighting and access to suitable trading spaces influence the cost of transporting goods and the ability of customers to reach businesses.

Traders at Homa Bay Municipal Market previously reported that heavy rains and poor infrastructure disrupted operations and reduced daily earnings. Limited market capacity also forced some vendors to trade along roadsides, exposing them to harsh weather and accident risks. Government services and cooperation with local communities

Omollo has previously spoken about bringing government services closer to residents.

In June 2026, he said the government was preparing to operationalise newly gazetted administrative units, including those in Homa Bay County, to improve access to public services. He urged residents to support the identification of suitable chiefs and assistant chiefs with integrity. The importance of translating discussions into results

Meetings between government officials and business representatives can help identify problems and build cooperation. Their long-term value, however, depends on what happens after the discussions.

Traders will be looking for progress on the concerns that affect their daily operations, including security, market infrastructure, access to business opportunities and the cost of running enterprises.

A practical follow-up process could involve documenting the concerns raised, assigning relevant issues to the responsible agencies and providing updates on progress.What the meeting means for Rangwe and Homa Bay

The October 17 engagement highlights the importance of communication between public officials and local business communities.

Rangwe and the wider Homa Bay region depend on economic activities that connect households, farmers, retailers, service providers and transport operators. Supporting these businesses can help strengthen livelihoods and create opportunities for people seeking employment.The concerns previously raised by Homa Bay traders demonstrate that entrepreneurs need more than encouragement. They require safe trading environments, adequate facilities, affordable opportunities to expand and effective public services.

Omollo’s earlier initiatives on youth enterprise development and women’s empowerment also show that economic opportunities have been part of his public engagements in the county.